For the second week in succession the Premier League weekend concludes with a Monday Night Football which involves Arsenal being on the road. Easter Monday sees the Gunners heading to Middlesbrough in a match which is now probably bigger for the home side than it is for the visitors.
Middlesbrough
It has been a real struggle of a first season back in the top flight for Middlesbrough and they are now swimming against the tide in their quest to stay up. Even a change of manager hasn’t really helped them so they need to find some inspiration from somewhere. They have at least drawn two of their last three so they have something to build from.
Middlesbrough head into the game six points from safety but they do have two games in hand of the sides they are chasing with the first of those coming here so this really is a big match. If they are going to survive they are going to need to start scoring goals. They have just 22 in 31 games this season which doesn’t get it done.
Arsenal
Results over the weekend so far have all but ended Arsenal’s chances of a return to the Champions League for next season so all they are playing for now is the FA Cup and with the semi-finals of that next weekend it remains to be seen what sort of mindset and indeed team strength they are in for this one.
One thing is for sure is if Arsenal repeat their performance of last Monday night they are going to win nothing. They were truly dreadful against Crystal Palace that night and having been dug out by pundits on television it will be a mark of where they are in this match. A proud side will deliver a response.
Team News
George Friend is back for this match for the home side which is a boost but they will be without Calum Chambers who is ineligible against his parent club. Gaston Ramirez is on the sidelines too.
Laurent Koscielny may make a return to the Arsenal back line for this one and they certainly need his leadership if nothing else. Petr Cech could also return although he might be given longer on the sideline given it is the cup semi-final at the weekend.
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Betting
This isn’t a match I have any betting interest in. I certainly couldn’t go near Arsenal after the way they played last week and I can’t touch Middlesbrough with their inability to score. I guess the need for Middlesbrough might make them value in the game but you wonder what they have got if they concede a goal.
Nothing would really surprise me in this match and given that I can’t make a definitive decision on which way this will go I will avoid betting on it and wait for better opportunities.
Middlesbrough vs Arsenal – Tips
No Bet
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